Sankoo: Sankoo the sub division of Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh which falls 40km away towards south from Kargil Town.
Sankoo is located in a bowl-shaped valley drained by large tributary streams of the Suru River, and the Nakpochoo River.
As the richest flourishing and most verdant valley throughout the entire region of Ladakh, the village of Sankoo Valley is known as the Ladakh’s own Gulmarg ‘meadow of flowers’.
Sankoo is one of the best skiing destinations in Kargil which is famous in Ladakh for its suitable skiing slopes that attract ski lovers from across Ladakh.
The snow-clad slopes of Sankoo can provide an ideal terrain for skiing enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy gliding down the slopes indulging in this thrilling sport.
A 25 Year old Ashiq Hussain Snow Skater from Sankoo, who did bachelors in Physical Education and Master of Physical Education (M.P. Ed.) from University of Kashmir while sharing his views on the growing adventure sport said, “We need to bring out the hidden talent of our youth, as a student of physical education I suggest to our youth develop and engage themselves in games along with studies. If you choose any type of games side by side you are developing your mental, physical, and emotional abilities, besides that you will overcome all your stress, anxiety, tension etc.”
Ashiq Hussain is a highly talented and skilled skier. He began his ski journey at a very young age and has been quite impressively active at it. His first ski course was part of his school’s extra-curricular activity.
He has worked very hard all alongside he has trained hundreds of children but he remembers Ashiq as ‘a boy with good skills and a quick learner’.
He said, “We need to bring out the hidden talent of our youth, as a student of physical education I suggest to our youth to develop or engage yourself in games with your studies.”
On being asked about the scope of adventure sport in Sankoo valley, Ashiq replied, “There is a huge scope for ice skiing and winter sports. One can go for state and national level competitions and then can apply for the Olympics. There is a very good scope in skiing.”
Ashiq Hussain was among three boys from Sankoo Kargil Ladakh UT who were selected for Khelo India Winter Game at Gulmarg Jammu and Kashmir last year.
To promote winter sports and adventure activities to provide an ideal platform to the local youth of Sankoo, Ladakh Tourism Department UT should conduct such winter activities in Sankoo as well. Ladakh is a great scope for adventure sports like snow skiing, ice skating, curling, and snowboarding, he concluded.
